“I don’t want to talk about that. I just know there was another man.” Her head was down and her arms went around herself.
He blew out a breath. He wanted to hold her, but he was barely holding himself together. His own pains were easily forgotten. He’d gladly take on another man this very night if need be. “Do you have the poem?”
She reached into her pocket and handed it over to him.
He looked at it and then placed it with the other he’d taken from Bancroft that very evening. He’d asked Diana’s brother for it, claiming he wished to study Dahl’s mind.
Then he’d also asked Bancroft for all the details he’d been able to pick up on the man since Diana went missing last year. This had given Bancroft pause, and when the man had balked at giving Frank anything he’d asked for without explanation, Frank had been forced to use one of his golden coins.
Bancroft had cursed, but the golden coin had done the trick in getting Frank want he needed without having to explain himself.
He still felt uncomfortable that Bancroft didn’t know what his sister was up to, that yet another man had injured her, and likely in worse ways that the first, but he’d decided to keep her vow.
Was he mad, to do such a thing?
“I’ll need to know more if we’re to find him,” he told her as he steered her up the stairs.
She shook her head. “I can’t give you more. Not now.”
“When?” He didn’t want to press her, but something told him that she was not safe. She claimed to have missed the other man’s face, but did her kidnapper know that? He could easily come after her, knowing who she was. He could follow her. He could be anyone sitting in the theatre night after night. He could be someone who attended the parties, even danced with her.
No, Diana was not safe.
“When is your next performance?” he asked.
She looked up as they stopped in front of her door. “Tomorrow night.”
“And you’ll be attending another party after.” He didn’t ask. He knew the answer.
She nodded and smiled. “Why? Do you plan to be my shadow?”
Oh, he planned to be far closer than that.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” The kiss that followed that statement came easy for him, as though ending the night without one would leave him unsettled.
He ended it far quicker than he’d have liked. After hearing the latches on her door fall into place, he left.
Hard.
* * *
26
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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
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Diana tried not to let her nervousness show, as Frank escorted her through the crowds and toward the door of the Earl of Lawton’s grand mansion. She smiled as people tried to get close to her, saying thank you when necessary, but her thoughts were unsettled as she climbed the stairs. Hit trailed in silence.
She was not at all surprised when Frank noticed. He bent over and spoke low, his voice rumbling against her ear. His heady scent knocked the fears from her mind. “What’s the matter? Do you see him?”
She turned and smiled at him, wishing they were alone so she could kiss him, but then she thought about his words and her smile fell. “I wouldn’t know him if I saw him. I told you I didn’t see him.”
Frank nodded at took the last step into the house.
This was Diana’s first time seeing the Lawton mansion, but as a child, she’d walked here on foot, wanting to see the man who’d fathered her and Bancroft, but hadn’t cared to do anything more for them and their mother.
Now, he was gone and his son, from what she’d been told, was much like his old man. A rake.
Anthony Ellis, the Earl of Lawton, greeted Diana with true affection. “The stunning Diana Banns. I’m so glad you could join us tonight in my humble abode.” He took her hand— for the first time ever— and placed a kiss on the air above it.
Diana looked around. There was nothing humble about Lawton’s home in the least. Everything was very much of the highest quality, much like its owner.
Had the word dandy not been invented, Diana knew that it would still apply to Anthony Ellis. He was gorgeous from the top of his brunette head down to the shining soles of his dancing heels.
And he had the most brilliant blue eyes.
Just like Diana.
He seemed to narrow his gaze before saying, “I’m sorry, Miss Banns, but have we met before?”
Diana’s eyes widened. “No, my lord.” She took her hand back, forcing herself to smile. “No. Never. I’m afraid we’re from entirely different worlds.”
He chuckled. “Miss Banns, I’ll let you know I’ve very much involved in every world that exists.” Of which she had no doubt. “I myself have always enjoyed art, paintings mostly, but since your performance this year, I must say you’ve made me a fan of the ballet.” Then he turned to Frank and said, “Franklin, you must tell me the story of how it is you that happened to become this darling creature’s escort.” To Diana he said, “Frank and I were at Oxford together. We’re old friends.”
“You know I never share stories, Anthony.” Frank’s hand landed at her lower back. “Let us not hold up the line. Come, Miss Banns.” Once they were away, he asked, “What was that about?”
“What?” she asked, acting as though she had no clue what he was speaking about, and then she was momentarily caught off guard when a woman ran by, laughing loudly, with her bodice barely covering her rather generous cleavage. She turned to see Frank staring after the woman, but not with a hint of lust. In fact, it seemed more like anger. Then he turned to Diana. “Exactly, why have we come here? Anthony is the worst sort of gentleman there is.”
“That may be true, but people adore him, and Monsieur Groux asked me to.”
He steered her toward the sitting room, where there were men and women from various classes and crude music. One woman was sitting on a gentleman’s lap. Another couple were in the corner, but it was hard to see exactly what was taking place.
And Diana was very thankful for that.
Frank cursed and gripped her arm. “This is the very worst place to be.”
Diana turned to him. “Yet these people enjoy my work and pay for a seat just like everyone else.” This was all part of her life and work, though with Frank beside her, for the first time she was slightly embarrassed by it.
A gentleman approached on unsteady legs. His belly bulged well past his waist even with a corset on. “Miss Banns!” His words slurred. “The most beautiful woman in the world!” He moved as if to grab for her, but Frank gathered her out of the way just in time.
The man didn’t slow and tumbled to the floor… right at Lord Lawton’s feet.
There were gasps.
Lawton looked down at the gentleman and said, “Lord Shepard, you look quite the fool.”
“I know, my lord,” the man on the floor slurred. “I can see my reflection in your shoes.”
Lawton smiled and stepped around him.
This caused the entire party to laugh outrageously.
Frank started to take Diana from the room, but she held her place and moved closer before asking, “Did everyone enjoy tonight’s performance?”
A great shout rose from those gathered.
Diana grinned and bowed. “Thank you. As you know, you are the true heart of Monsieur Groux Ballet, for without you, we’d be nothing. I adore you all and must thank our host Lord Lawton for hosting such a lavish party.”
Lawton, from his place in the center of the couch, draped in courtesans, lifted his champagne glass to her and the people cheered again.
Then a woman from the couch shouted, “Miss Banns! Sing a song!”
“She doesn’t sing, you fool,” her companion shouted with a snarl. “She dances.”
“Indeed,” Diana cut in. “I dance, but if you wish to see another performance, you’ll come a
gain tomorrow night.”
She winked at the crowd.
More cheers.
“And on that note.” Lawton turned to the pianist. “Play something lively, won’t you?”
The music began and conversations resumed.
Diana turned toward Frank, ready to see what offerings were in the refreshment room, but Frank wasn’t there.
Hit, however, was.
“Where did he go?” she asked him.
* * *
Frank had watched the crowd as Diana spoke. They all seemed to worship and adore her just as much as he did. She’d been captivating, holding the whole room spellbound to her every word.
Except for one man, who’d left close to the end of her speech.
Frank had taken note of the nearly hostile anger in his eyes before he’d turned and left, not noticing he was being followed until Frank was nearly upon him.
At which point, the man turned around and glared up at him. “Might I be of some assistance, sir?” he grumbled.
“Are you a servant here?” Frank looked his clothes over and thought them of good quality, though most uniforms were.
“Not here, no.” Not here? Meaning he served someone else? The gentleman sighed and then lifted a dark brow. “Why are you following me?”
Why did the man think he was being followed? What if Frank had simply been heading in the same direction. This was a party after all. There were others roaming the very same hall and yet this man had singled out Frank. Was he simply suspicious by nature, or did he in fact have something to hide?
Frank cut to the chase, watching the man’s reaction. “I wanted to know what you thought of Miss Bann’s performance.”
His irritated demeanor remained. “It was… riveting, I’m sure, though I wouldn’t be able to say. I’ve never had the pleasure to see her at work.”
Frank’s eyes widened. “Oh, no?”
The man shook his head. “My employer keeps me quite busy. There is no time for enjoyment, I’m afraid.”
And yet he’d come to the party. Was his employer here? Was that the reason Frank was gaining this man’s ire? He looked… frustrated. “What did you say your name was?” Frank asked.
“I didn’t.” Then, with that, he turned and left.
Frank watched his retreating back and wondered if he should continue to follow or if he should let it go.
“You should return to Miss Banns or you’ll find her stolen by any number of gentlemen here,” a voice from behind him said. “Namely myself.”
Frank turned and was sure his face looked much like the strange man’s who’d just disappeared. But then, unable to stay irritated long with the friend before him and grinned. “When one finds Anthony they could just as easily find you somewhere in the room.”
Lord Allen Blackfall took his hand and chuckled. “Someone has to keep Anthony in line. It might as well be me.” Allen Blackfall was the second son to a marquess. Allen and Anthony had grown up with the Men of Nashwood, and had circumstances been different, Allen or even Anthony— God forbid— could have easily become a member of their closed fraternity.
Allen had pale eyes and dark hair that held abundant careless curls without the use of any pomade. He was also a solicitor, though his family had great wealth, and Frank admired him for pursuing something he loved. The law.
Allen lifted a brow. “Miss Bann’s company can’t be that dull that you’ve decided to spend your time questioning men that aren’t actual guests here.”
Frank narrowed his eyes. “Do you know who he is?”
Allen turned his eyes away in thought. “I can’t remember the chap’s name, though I know he works for Lord Dahl. Stewart, not Charles, God rest his soul. He’s the earl’s secretary, always by his side.”
Frank’s eyes widened. “He’s Mr. Stewart’s man?” The name came to him then. Joel Ash. He’d seen it on the list of people Bancroft had given him. There hadn’t been much said about Ash except for he was nearly always with Stewart... Which meant Mr. Stewart was possibly in the building. Frank glanced around.
“Frank, are you all right?”
Frank nodded. “Come with me.” He rushed down the hall that Mr. Ash had disappeared down and heard Allen on his heels. He thought it a good idea to bring the solicitor just in case he was arrested.
“Frank, what’s this about—”
He shushed his friend, as in the last room, he could hear an argument. Voices were raised and he recognized one as Mr. Stewart.
“I think you forget how your position works, Mr. Ash. I tell you what to do and you do it.” The new earl sounded angry. What did he want? Was it Diana? Did he wish for Mr. Ash to secure the dancer yet again?
Mr. Ash spoke then, forever irritated. “Perhaps, that was how it once was, but no more. You don’t want to push me, Stewart. I’ll tell everyone.”
Tell them what? Frank’s blood ran cold.
“No,” Mr. Stewart’s anger seemed to fade, replaced by fear. “Don’t do that.” He sighed heavily. “I don’t understand you, Mr. Ash. Were I you, I’d simply take the money I offered, and leave.”
Mr. Ash didn’t respond to the comment, but instead said, “Perhaps, it is time you went home. I’ll fix you a drink. It will soothe you.”
His master huffed in defeat. “Yes, perhaps that would be best.”
Frank leaned away and turned to see Allen. He motioned him back down the hall. They turned a corner before he spoke. “Say nothing for now. I’ll tell you the rest of the matter later.” Because if he was going to get an earl punished by the courts, he’d need all the help he could get.
“You better.” Allen laughed. “I’m surprised you’ve asked for my aid. You Nashwoodians seem to only cling to each other.”
Frank shrugged. “We don’t have a solicitor. Besides, you work for Morris.” Morris was the Duke of Cort, and one of Frank’s close friends. “I trust you.”
Allen brightened at that. “Until we meet again.” Then he went his own way.
Frank rejoined the party.
“Where did you go?” Diana asked the moment she saw him, crossing to him and taking his arm.
“Did you miss me?” He smiled at her. He felt closer to the end of their tragedy than ever.
Diana eyes flickered with astonishment, but then she smiled. “You know I did. Now, come meet some of the theatre people.” She pulled him into the crowd and Frank thought he did an excellent job as his dancer’s escort.
* * *
27
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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
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The next fortnight passed without incident. Frank attended each performance and every party, always at Diana’s side. The papers had caught on to his presence and the gossip rags believed them to be courting, but when asked by the meddling mothers of the ton— or by his own meddling friends— Frank gave vague responses. He couldn’t tell anyone the true reason for his presence, yet only to himself admitted that the papers were not all wrong.
His feelings for Diana grew with his every breath. For the first time, seeing a woman held more excitement for Frank than meeting with his colleagues.
Or his patients.
Though it was growing painful to turn down Diana’s offers to join her in her apartment. He’d taken to dreaming of her, and when the need grew relentless, Frank found his hand creeping underneath his sheet to tug at his straining member, spilling his seed with visions of her. Those experiences were more erotic than any woman he’d slept with before and Frank could only imagine the satisfaction he’d stand to gain once he finally did have Diana.
And he would have her, he’d decided.
Every time she smiled or danced with another man, Frank was forced to rein in his possessive side. He repeatedly compared himself to a dog who held the need to mark his territory. He wanted her full of him, wanted to have her clenching and draining
him until neither of them were left as they’d been.
Until she was completely his.
The only thing that had cooled those visceral thoughts, had been remembering that someone else lurked in the shadows, likely thinking similar things.
He knew the secret she kept from him but forced himself to do no more than share a few stolen— but passionate— kisses every so often, until she let him in to her mind. Only then would he take her body.
Diana Sensational Spinster's Society (The Spinster’s Society) (A Regency Romance Book) Page 17